Monday, May 31, 2010

How to Do Business Casual at Any Age

When the dress code is less conservative, there are many polished alternatives to a traditional two-piece suit. Learn how to wear appropriate alternatives to suits, no matter your age, with the help of a few fashion-forward ladies.




20s: Anne Hathaway


  • Three words: mix and match. A "suit" at this age can be anything from skinny jeans, a blouse, and a fitted vest to a denim pencil skirt, a long jersey tank, and a cropped jacket.
  • Play with masculine-feminine combinations. An oxford shirt looks sweet with puff sleeves and a scarf tie. If you are wearing a tailored jacket, pair it with a ruffled blouse.
  • Add color or shine to liven up the look. Select accessories in vibrant hues to give your serious look a youthful jolt.
10 Young Stars We Look to for Fashion Inspiration





30s: Joy Bryant


  • If you have the figure for it, a razor-sharp pant or skirt is just the thing that says fashion forward and cool. For those who like a slouchier cut, try menswear-inspired trousers. But keep it dainty with a flouncy top or high heels.
  • Try a jacket with a unique flair, like a cropped trench or an architectural cut, to energize a basic bottom.
  • Add animal prints or touches of metallic to perk up your look while still keeping a sophisticated air.
  • Pick accessories with twists on the traditional shapes, like a peep-toe pump with a slight platform.
Are These Summer Staples in Your Closet?





40s: Kyra Sedgwick


  • Looking conservative and refined doesn't need to be stuffy or restrictive.
  • Get creative, but keep it polished. There are plenty of options to update a staid look. Try a belted cape instead of a jacket. 
  • Full trousers in rich fabrics, sweet skirts with embroidery, breezy blouses, and metallic jackets — all look modern and fun, but with an air of ladylike polish.
  • When layering textures and fabrics, keep it in similar shades. But use accents and accessories to add color. 
How Do Stars' Styles Change Over the Years? Flip Through These Photos and Find Out!



50s: Iman


  • Solids in basic colors are the standard, but quality and structure are what count. You want flattering, not fussy, so opt for rich fabrics, body-conscious cuts, and a comfortable fit that is simple but refined.
  • Keep colors low-key, like black, white, and gray. 
  • Choose ultrafeminine pieces — like a scarf-tied blouse — to mix in with basics like a pencil skirt or trousers.
  • Slim sweaters are a softer alternative to tailored jackets and can look just as polished. Make sure your knits aren't too bulky and are in good condition.
  • Your accessories should add character to your look. Pick pieces in classic shapes but with interesting details, like a shiny patent gloss.
Cindy Crawford and 7 More Supermodels Without Makeup





60s: Carolina Herrera


  • Look for traditional tailoring, but with a few updates — like the superstructured cut of a jacket or infusions of volume in the sleeves or peplum.
  • Mix fabrics and textures. For example, layer a chiffon blouse under a bouclĂ© jacket atop a flannel skirt.
  • Don't be afraid to wear color, but keep it conservative. Jewel tones look lovely and combine well with basic darks.
  • Invest in ultraluxe accessories and they'll serve you well. Stick with classic shapes in deep brown or black and they'll go with everything.

Timeless Fashion Secrets for Every Age



70+: Lee Radziwill

  • Whether you wear a pantsuit, skirt suit, or a dress and jacket, keep it high quality, structured, and clean. It's all about the finest materials and precise fit.
  • Keep your figure in focus. While you should avoid anything too curve hugging, make sure your waist is always well-defined and the suit doesn't hang or look too slouchy.
  • Colors should be simple and embellishments restrained. When adding dazzling details like a bejeweled trim, keep the rest of your accessories understated.
  • If you have loads of suits in your closet, don't be afraid to break them up and switch the pieces around. You'll get a lot more mileage out of them. Just be sure you keep the colors in similar tones.

No comments:

Post a Comment